*** Thank You for Making The Silk Road Project a Roaring Success ***

On behalf of all our team here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, including our beautiful Snow Leopards ‘Otilia’ and ‘Szecsuan’, we would like to say a big THANK YOU for donating towards our Silk Road Project.

Over 380 supporters have shared, posted, and pledged donations towards this fantastic campaign and helped us to reach a total of £40,445!

These donations raised enough money to secure a pledge of an additional £135,000 from a friend of the Zoo. When all the pledged money is in, and when combined with £25,500 raised earlier within the Zoo, that will bring our total raised so far to an amazing £200,945!!!

The Silk Road will be an important new chapter in the 55 year history of the Zoo. In making it come about, each and everyone of you has become part of that history.

Together with some funds from the Zoo charity’s reserves this would enable us to build a new snow leopard home, but as you know we have big ambitions for this project – we don’t just want it to be new WE WANT IT TO BE THE BEST. So our fundraising will continue and we hope to start building in the autumn of 2018.

Please continue to support us in anyway you can and don’t worry even you haven’t made a donation yet – you can still do this on the link below:

www.welshmountainzoo.org/silkroad/ And if you have already donated, thank you and please continue to spread the word.

It has been an incredible journey for the Welsh Mountain Zoo to get to this point; a dream and a legacy lives on at this unique attraction. We want to build on the incredible success of the Zoo to date and prepare for the next 50 years. And with your help, we know we can do it.

The Silk Road Project aims to build state of the art accommodation for one of the world’s most vulnerable big cat species, while also forging connections with the world’s most important growth economy – China. By helping to build our new snow leopard enclosure you can be part our most ambitious and important project to date. We want to prepare for the next 50 years. And with your help, we know we can do it.

The project will see completely new accommodation for our snow leopards, creating a representation of the mountainous regions in which this endangered species lives. The Silk Road will forge links with China and the Himalayan Mountains exploring the Chinese culture, language, environment and species that originate from there.

The new snow leopard home will be designed to offer visitors a nose to nose visual experience through glass, whilst an elevated walkway will journey around the site, offering panoramic views across the Zoo and to the Carneddau Mountains.

Snow leopards are well adapted to their home in the cold mountains of China and surrounding countries. Their thick fur patterned with dark rosettes and spots is the perfect camouflage for their rocky habitat, allowing them to stalk their prey. Their beautiful coats are also made up of long hairs with a dense, woolly underfur to protect them against the cold.

Snow leopards have a longer tail than many other big cats and they can be up to 1 m in length to help the leopards to balance whilst they are on steep, rocky slopes. They also provide the snow leopard with extra protection against the cold since the leopards tails can be wrapped around themselves, like a scarf, while they are resting.

We have 2 snow leopards at the Welsh Mountain Zoo and they have lived here for 11 years. They are part of the European breeding programme and have been successful breeders, with their most recent litter now moved on to create two more breeding pairs and helping the survival of the species.

"My father, Robert Jackson spent ten years searching for the perfect place to realise his zoo dream. With its magnificent views across Colwyn Bay and the stunning Snowdonia mountain landscape, Dad chose this location as the foundation for his future work. Sadly, he died in an accident just six years after Welsh Mountain Zoo opened. After his death my mother two, brothers and I all rallied together to keep Dad's dream and legacy alive for the next 50 years" Nick Jackson, Director

Now the Zoo is one of North Wales' top attractions that is open all year round (except Christmas day). The Zoo is home to around 750 animals of over 100 species from all over the world, including the majestic Snow Leopard.

China's mountainous habitat is home to the largest population of snow leopards in the wild and provides a focus and a theme for The Silk Road Project. However, the project aims to be much more than just a new home for the Zoo's snow leopards. The Silk Road Project also aims to create a cultural bridge with the nation of China - the world's newest emerging superpower.

The Silk Road Project aims to reinforce a growing friendship between our two nations. Political, commercial, scientific and cultural partnerships between Wales and China will become vital in the years to come as the Chinese economy continues to grow. Opportunities to create and build relationships can lead to practical business, research or educational joint endeavours. These relationships and future collaborations can promote prosperity, peace and understanding between our two nations and will, in turn, be the inheritance of our children and grandchildren.

We believe that no other zoo or wildlife attraction in the UK has made this imaginative leap by combining the zoo’s traditional offers of biodiversity protection, tourism and leisure experiences with the wider macro-political and trade interests of the nation at large.

We have big ambitions for this project, but it all comes down to funding. The good news is we’ve already made an impressive start and have strong indications of further support. But we need your help to reach our £200,000 Crowdfunding target and make The Silk Road Project come to life.

Dame Judi Dench - Silk Road supporter Dame Judi Dench DBE is one of the nation's best loved English theatre and film actors, seven time Oscar nominee and Academy Award winner."I am delighted to support The Silk Road project to assist the long term survival of the snow leopard, Chinese biodiversity in general and to foster ever better relations with China"

Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall - Silk Road supporter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall is a chef, writer, broadcaster and campaigner on many environmental issues. He is currently presenting Hugh's Wild West for BBC1."This looks like a great project with the welfare and conservation of this stunning wild cat at its heart. Good luck!"

Richard E Grant - Silk Road supporter Richard E Grant is a distinguished Actor, Director and Screenwriter."The Silk Road is a great project both in terms of wildlife conservation and in forming a new link to China. I am delighted to be a supporter"

Brian Blessed - Silk Road supporter Brian Blessed has had a distinguished and varied career which has encompassed all media. He is now one of this country’s best known and most highly respected actors, writers and adventures.

Rory Bremner - Silk Road supporter Rory Bremner is an impressionist and comedian best known for political satire and impressions of British public figures

John Cleese - Silk Road supporter John Cleese is a comedian best known for being part of Monty Python and Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers

Elizabeth Haywood - Dr Elizabeth Haywood was the inaugural winner of 'Welsh Woman of the Year' and has a career in public service in Wales and roles in Government, Third Sector and Private Sector Companies.

Peter Hain - (Baron Hain of Neath) is a former Secretary of State for Wales and has an eminent political career

Q. Which countries can you ship rewards to?

A. Rewards include Royal Mail delivery to UK addresses, but you can pay a little extra to have your parcel delivered elsewhere. International delivery will require an extra £10.00

Q. Can I pledge anonymously?

A. Yes, you can opt to hide your name from other supporters list by ticking the relevant box when you make your pledge. Don't worry, we will still be able to see your details.

Q. Can I pledge on more than one reward?

A. Yes, you can choose as many rewards as you like. You will need to make a new separate pledge for each reward. If you get stuck, you can message support@crowdfunder.co.uk for help.

Q. Can I organise my own fundraising event?

A. Yes, we'd love as many people as possible to be involved and to spread the word of the campaign. If you want to organise an event and need some more information contact jamie@welshmountainzoo.org

Q. Can I pledge on behalf of a group?

A. Yes, all donations are welcome.

Q. Is Corporate sponsorship available?

A. Corporate sponsorship of elements of the enclosure are available in the rewards list, however, to discuss tailor made sponsorship packages, please email jamie@welshmountainzoo.org .

Rewards

£1 or more

One Pound Pledge

Even just £1 will go a long way towards this project. If all our social media followers donated a pound we would raise over £20,000!

£5 or more

Website Mention

Your name will go on a dedicated thank you webpage on the Zoo’s website.

£10 or more

Silk Road Car Sticker

A special Silk Road car sticker and a mention on dedicated thank you webpage on the Zoo’s website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£20 or more

Snow Leopard Photograph

A photograph presented in a branded folder and a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on a dedicated thank you webpage on the Zoo’s website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£25 or more

Silk Road T-Shirt

An exclusive Silk Road branded T-Shirt, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£50 or more

Silk Road Hoodie

An exclusive Silk Road branded Hoodie, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£75 or more

0
of 5
claimed

Tour of the Senedd & Lunch with Darren Millar AM

A tour of the Senedd in Cardiff followed by lunch with Darren Millar, AM for Clwyd West. You will also get a Silk Road Car Sticker and a mention on our website.
Upon selecting this reward you will be contacted by the Zoo to arrange a suitable date and time for your tour.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£75 or more

Silk Road Friend

By becoming of a friend of the Silk Road Project you will be rewarded with a Family Ticket, Zoo Guidebook and a small plush toy. Also a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£75 or more

Snow Leopard Friend

Your friends pack will include a Welcome Letter, Certificate, 2 Admission Tickets, a Small Plush Toy, your name on a Snow Leopard Friends plaque, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£100 or more

1
of 1
claimed

**SPECIAL** Release a Seal into the Wild

We are offering you the chance to be the one to open the door and release a rehabilitated seal back into the wild on TUESDAY 27th FEBRUARY at 10am*
This is for ONE person and you will release ONE seal.
You will also get a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
*You must be available and able to get to the release site by this time. If weather is bad and it cannot go ahead you will be notified but it will be rearranged.

Estimated delivery: 1st Feb 2018

£100 or more

2
of 6
claimed

Signed Copy of 'Zoology' by Gillian Clarke

A signed copy of 'Zoology' by Gillian Clarke, former National Poet for Wales (2008-2016), a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on a dedicated thank you webpage on the Zoo’s website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Jun 2018

£100 or more

Zoo History Photobook

An exclusive photobook of some photos throughout the Zoo's 55 year history, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£250 or more

9
of 10
claimed

Snow Leopard Keeper Experience

Spend a couple of hours with one of our Snow Leopard Keepers feeding, cleaning and providing enrichment for our majestic Snow Leopards. This can be carried out in the new enclosure once it is built, or for the very eager among you, it can be done at the current enclosure. You will a confirmation and how to book, along with a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£250 or more

2
of 50
claimed

Limited Edition Canvas Photo

A 30x40cm canvas photograph of our Snow Leopards here at the Welsh Mountain Zoo, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on a dedicated thank you webpage on the Zoo’s website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2018

£500 or more

1
of 25
claimed

Opening Invite & Paw Plaque

An invitation to the official opening of the new enclosure (for up to 2 people), a name plaque on the enclosure recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Apr 2019

£750 or more

1
of 10
claimed

Bench Seat & Plaque

A high quality Bench seat made from recycled materials to be located at the new enclosure, a name plaque on the enclosure recognising your donation, an invitation to the official opening of the new enclosure (for up to 2 people), a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Apr 2019

£1,500 or more

1
of 10
claimed

Champagne Zoo Breakfast

Enjoy a Summer Champagne Breakfast for up to 6 people in the top viewing area of the new Silk Road enclosure, followed by a talk from our Snow Leopard Keeper about the animals, an invitation to the official opening of the new enclosure (for up to 2 people), a name plaque on the enclosure recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Aug 2019

£2,500 or more

0
of 10
claimed

Life Membership

Free admission to the Zoo for life, as well as regular newsletters keeping you up to date with the goings on in the Zoo, A VIP invitation to the official opening of the new enclosure and champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque on the enclosure recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Apr 2019

£5,000 or more

0
of 5
claimed

'Adopt' a Zoo Director

Join the Zoo Director (Son of the Zoo founder) for an exclusive summer lunch for up to 2 people, a bi-monthly newsletter written by the Director, A VIP invitation to the official opening of the new enclosure and champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque on the enclosure recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Aug 2019

£10,000 or more

0
of 5
claimed

Signed Chapter of Zoo Director's Unpublished Book

A signed hardback chapter of the Zoo Director's unpublished book about his family's life building a Zoo, a Snow Leopard Encounter & a tour of the new enclosure, A VIP invitation to the official opening of the new enclosure & champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque on the enclosure recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.
UK postage included, see FAQs for international shipping costs.

Estimated delivery: 1st Aug 2019

£15,000 or more

0
of 1
claimed

Sponsorship of the Chinese Tree and Plant Displays

Exclusive 5 year sponsorship of the Botanical aspects of the project, a number of admission tickets given every year and the potential for a plaque or corporate branding (to be discussed) on the Snow Leopard house. Also a VIP invitation to the opening ceremony for the new Silk Road enclosure to include a champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2019

£25,000 or more

0
of 1
claimed

Sponsor the Large Rooftop Viewpoint

Exclusive 5 year sponsorship of the Large viewpoint above Snow Leopard house , a number of admission tickets given every year and the potential for a plaque or corporate branding (to be discussed) on the Snow Leopard house. Also VIP invitation to the opening ceremony for the new Silk Road enclosure to include a champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2019

£25,000 or more

0
of 1
claimed

Sponsor the Chinese Bird Exhibits

Exclusive 5 year sponsorship of the Chinese Bird Exhibit, a number of admission tickets given every year and the potential for a plaque or corporate branding (to be discussed) on the Snow Leopard house. Also a VIP invitation to the opening ceremony for the new Silk Road enclosure to include a champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2019

£50,000 or more

0
of 1
claimed

Sponsor the Snow Leopard House

Exclusive 5 year sponsorship of the Snow Leopard house with 5* facilities, a number of admission tickets given every year and the potential for a plaque or corporate branding (to be discussed) on the Snow Leopard house. Also a VIP invitation to the opening ceremony for the new Silk Road enclosure to include a champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2019

£50,000 or more

0
of 1
claimed

Sponsor the Rocky Outcrop, Pool and Waterfall

Exclusive 5 year sponsorship of the Snow Leopard rock work and water features, a number of admission tickets given every year and the potential for a plaque or corporate branding (to be discussed) on the Snow Leopard house. Also VIP invitation to the opening ceremony for the new Silk Road enclosure to include a champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.

Estimated delivery: 1st May 2019

£100,000 or more

0
of 5
claimed

Honorary Life Fellowship

An honour given to our larger supporters, with a welcome lunch, an awarding of the fellowship, newsletters throughout the year and many special privileges that can be organised when visiting the Zoo, a VIP invitation to the opening ceremony for the new Silk Road enclosure to include a champagne reception (for up to 2 people), a name plaque recognising your donation, a Silk Road car sticker and a mention on our website.

Estimated delivery: 1st Apr 2019

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